INTRODUCING YOU TO BANDS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW, BUT TOTALLY SHOULD.

Kishi Bashi

A lot of people turn to pop music when they are looking for a mood lifter. It’s an obviously solid choice. Generally speaking, pop exists to lift moods, add a little skip to your step and make you feel good all over. I, on the other hand tend to run to the incredible talents of Kishi Bashi.

Kishi Bashi is the pseudonym for Kaoru Ishibashi, formerly of “Of Montreal”, and “Jupiter One”. Born in Seattle, but based in Atlanta, Kishi Bashi blends orchestral fundamentals with looping electronics and haunting choirs. A good portion of his tracks are driven by violin, his instrument of choice. However, his incredible talents on the instrument are overshadowed by his breathtaking vocals, soaring falsettos and his songwriting. Those elements combined with his upbeat and uplifting sounds remind me of an Andrew Bird on whip-its of sorts.
Going through his discography you can easily identify transitions in styles, and technique as his music reflected his own personal growth. His last album leans far more heavily on synth than his previous ones had, creating a stunningly beautiful album that elevates orchestral pop; melding the artistry of heavy indie-rock lyricism with hooks and melodies that should lift anyone’s spirits.

Notable Songs

Philosophize In It! Chemicalize With It!

Bright Whites

Hey Big Star

Carry On Phenomenon

This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)– Talking Heads Cover

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